Energy Transfer and Conversion in Nanoscale Gaps

Understanding radiative heat transfer in nanoscale gaps and devices is of considerable interest<br/>for creating novel energy conversion devices. In this talk, I will first describe ongoing efforts<br/>in our group to experimentally elucidate nanoscale radiative heat transfer. I will present our<br/>recent experimental work where we have explored how radiative heat transfer is modified in<br/>nanoscale gaps at room temperature and cryogenic temperatures. Specifically, I will describe<br/>a variety of instrumentation including novel nanopositioning platforms and microdevices,<br/>which we have developed to accomplish these measurements. Further, I will discuss possible<br/>applications of near-field thermal radiation for energy conversion and photonic cooling.<br/>Finally, I will briefly outline how these technical advances can be leveraged for future<br/>investigations of nanoscale heat transport and near-field thermophotovoltaic energy<br/>conversion.